Public input continues to be sought regarding planned renovations to the Ascarate Park, the largest such park of its kind in El Paso County.
Located just 6 miles to the east of downtown El Paso at 6900 Delta Drive, the 400-acre park was built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in 1940, and from its inception included baseball fields and tennis courts. An 18-hole golf course designed by golf course architect George Hoffman was added in 1955.
New proposed improvements to the park are coming out of a $95.6 million capital improvement bond approved by voters in November of 2024. Last October members of the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners gave their unanimous approval to a contract with the El Paso-based Exigo Architecture to oversee the park’s initial renovation.
That early design work has focused on coordinating efforts with landscape architect and ecological restoration experts.
Plans under consideration include building a new entrance to the park, as well as constructing restrooms, shelters, a concession area, and festival space.
Additional work will see the installation of underground electrical lines, and a restoration of the shoreline hugging the park’s 48-acre lake.
The design work on the park is expected to be submitted by this summer, with the actual improvements scheduled for completion by late 2029.
A separate issue unrelated to the capital improvement bond may see the removal of a mural on a wallball court overlooking the park bearing the likeness of Hispanic rights and union activist Cesar Chavez. Earlier this month allegations of sexual abuse were aired against Chavez, who died in 1993.
According to various sources, roughly a dozen streets and highways have been named in honor of Chavez in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas; not to mention upwards of some 15 schools in those same three states.
March 24, 2026
By Garry Boulard
Rendering courtesy of City of El Paso
